Preventing the preventable

Every day, millions of health workers risk their own safety to care for others. But who’s protecting them?

Health workers face many occupational injuries and illnesses linked to clinical duties, non-clinical tasks and environmental hazards. 

Research by Janice Gabriel, published in the International Journal of Palliative Nursing, estimates that around three million needlestick injuries occur each year across  a global healthcare workforce of 35 million. This exposes individuals to serious bloodborne infections. At the same time, health workers remain highly susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders driven by manual handling and ergonomic challenges.

Risks extend far beyond the frontline clinical care. Non‑patient‑facing staff, including cleaning, laundry, administrative and maintenance teams, face hazards such as slips, trips, falls and road traffic incidents. They also encounter electrical risks and even fires and explosions. These hazards contribute to injuries, lost working days and long‑term disability across health systems.

This webinar brings together leading experts to explore the latest evidence and practical strategies to protect the health workforce. It is hosted by Dr Acran Salmen-Navarro, Chair of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH)’s occupational health for health workers scientific committee. He is joined by:

• Dr Karen Michell, Research Programme Lead Occupational Health, IOSH
• Matt Hall, Associate Director of Health Safety and Working Environment, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
• Dr Albert Nienhaus, Chair, ICOH biohazards scientific committee.

Together, our panel will highlight where risks are greatest, what interventions are working and how organisations can strengthen prevention efforts at every level.

Join us and take away practical strategies for protecting your workforce. 

This webinar is open to IOSH members, non-members and members of ICOH.